Neurotoxins From Marine Dinoflagellates And Diatoms: Source, Structure and Toxic Effects

In recent decades, the occurrence and distribution of harmful algal blooms (HABs) have escalated, resulting in significant economic and public health challenges globally. Certain HAB species produce potent toxins that can contaminate shellfish and marine fish, leading to various seafood poisoning syndromes, including Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP), and Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP). The principal culprits diatoms and dinoflagellates produce toxins like saxitoxin, brevetoxins, azaspiracid, and domoic acid, which impact human health through neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. Specific toxins, such as palytoxins and yessotoxins, reveal complex mechanisms of action, targeting ion channels in neurons. The widespread and increasing toxicity across marine ecosystems poses risks not only to human consumers but also to sea mammals and birds. With the urgency of rapid diagnosis and treatment, as well as prevention measures for algal blooms, understanding these neurotoxins is crucial for future health strategies and potential therapeutic applications.Keywords: Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), Domoic acid, Algal blooms, ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), neurotoxic shellfish poisoning(NSP), azaspiracid toxins, yessotoxin, palytoxin